Nicole Ferrando

Volunteered in the Psychiatric Department of the hospital and I worked directly with patients, taking notes, and asking them questions on their current states and reasons for coming to the hospital. I did research work with my supervisor and I organized the patient's forms and documents after either being discharged or admitted to inpatient treatment.

I analyzed and evaluated patient data or test findings to diagnose the nature and extent of their mental disorder.

I collaborated with physicians, psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurses, or other professionals to discuss treatment plans and progress.

I helped gather and maintain patient information and records, including social or medical history obtained from patients, relatives, or other professionals.

I advised or informed guardians, relatives, or significant others of patients' conditions or treatment.

I worked directly with clients during meals and assisted in group therapy sessions with the therapists. Assessed risk factors associated with relapse triggers and provided proactive interventions as needed. Created a safe space for open dialogue about difficult topics such as shame, guilt, trauma, grief. Made sure I made myself available too clients throughout my shifts and provided individual therapy sessions as needed.

Worked with patients who had HIV/AIDS under the head Clinical Psychologist and sat in with patients during counseling sessions. I helped facilitate counseling groups and wrote the group notes afterwards to update the team on what was talked about. I reevaluated patients and called them in order to check in with their physical and mental health, along with their goals they had for themselves for future and how they were going to work to reach those goals. In the mornings before my mentor came in, I worked in the clinic and met with patients who were getting work done (either injections or physicals as needed). I also reached out to patients about vaccinations (Monkey Pox was important since I worked with individuals who had HIV and were most susceptible to the virus) and set up appointments that needed to be made for them.

Worked as a care counselor for young adults with low functioning autism as well as young adults with behavioral issues. I worked mostly as a crisis counselor and applied clinical and behavioral knowledge to maintain safety during crisis moments., however I have been trained to be able to restrain a resident if they were to get violent. I helped facilitate group therapies like DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), oversaw daily routines of youth in placement and deliver services related to basic human needs. I supervised youth recreational activities and facilitated workshops surrounding self-development, education and employment and document child progress, reporting extreme changes in behavior. Lastly, with each of my residents I achieved established program plan goals by developing and maintaining effective working relationships with staff, court officials and educators.

Served as a rehabilitation counselor for those living with mental health issues and co-occurring substance abuse issues. Worked individually with the residents and provided therapeutic sessions and check-in. I managed multiple casis on a consistent basis and supported each client in taking their prescribed medication along with monitoring the medications when needed. I scheduled doctors appointments and treatment team meetings with the clients and helped the clients maintain a clean, safe and healthful residence. I used internal software and reporting protocols to successfully enter progress notes and treatment plans.